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No ifs or Butts

Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) Football Club is located in North London. The club is also known as Spurs. Tottenham's home ground is White Hart Lane. The club motto is Audere est Facere (To dare is to do).

Jamie Redknapp says Nicky Butt is a player he's always admired - and believes his move to Newcastle will work out well in the long-term.

Club captain Jamie had a few battles with Butt during his Liverpool days when the England midfielder was at Manchester United.

But their latest clash on Saturday will see Butt lining-up in the famous black and white stripes after he swapped one United for another, Manchester for Newcastle.

Butt, now 29, was impressive on his debut for Sir Bobby Robson's men at Middlesbrough last week and followed up with his 35th cap for England against Ukraine on Wednesday.

"Nicky's a great player and I've always admired him," stated Jamie. "He's a great lad as well.

"I think he's been a top player for years and it must have been a tough decision for him to leave Manchester United because he'd been there for a long time.

"I'm sure for him long-term it will be the best thing and he'll get better and better.

"Nicky's got everything. He can tackle, run, pass, shoot. It's probably been hard for him because he's very similar to Roy Keane and that's why he probably hasn't played so much, although he's still had a great career and won trophy after trophy.

"He's a top midfielder and has nothing to prove. He should be very proud of what he's achieved at United and this is a new start for him. I'm sure he'll do well."

Jamie, who admitted he 'loves' playing at St James Park, is ready for another tough test.

"They are a strong side with good players," he added. "Bobby Robson is a great manager and you've got Shearer, Bellamy up front, Jenas in midfield, Woodgate's out so that's good for us, Robert on the left, Butt, Kluivert - they have a very strong team.

"But this is a game you have to look forward to. I love going up to St James Park and it's always a great atmosphere, it's one of the great footballing venues."